The abbreviation “OD” following a name stands for Doctor of Optometry, signifying a licensed healthcare practitioner focused on vision and eye health. This title indicates the individual has completed rigorous, graduate-level training to examine, diagnose, and treat conditions of the visual system. The distinction between this professional and other eye care providers is based on differences in their education, licensing, and authorized scope of practice.
Defining the Doctor of Optometry
The Doctor of Optometry degree is a four-year professional program pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree, or at least 90 semester hours of prerequisite undergraduate science coursework. Required undergraduate courses typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced mathematics. Upon successful completion, the individual is awarded the OD degree, which is a doctorate distinct from a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). ODs are licensed healthcare providers, but they are not medical doctors and their training does not include the extensive surgical residencies required of ophthalmologists.
The Scope of Optometric Practice
Doctors of Optometry serve as primary eye care providers, offering a range of services to maintain and correct vision. Their main service involves conducting thorough vision and eye health examinations to detect refractive errors and signs of disease. Following these exams, they are authorized to prescribe and fit corrective lenses, including both eyeglasses and contact lenses.
ODs are trained to diagnose and treat many common eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and minor eye injuries. They also manage certain chronic eye diseases like stable glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, often in collaboration with other specialists. The practice generally involves non-surgical treatment methods, relying primarily on prescription medications for ocular conditions.
Distinguishing ODs from Other Eye Professionals
The eye care field includes three distinct professions: Optometrists (ODs), Ophthalmologists (MDs or DOs), and Opticians. The most significant difference lies between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists
An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school and a surgical residency. They can perform all medical and surgical treatments for eye conditions, in addition to providing vision care.
Opticians
An Optician has the shortest training pathway and is not a doctor. Opticians are technicians who take the prescription provided by an OD or Ophthalmologist and are responsible for fitting, supplying, and adjusting corrective eyewear, such as glasses. They do not conduct eye examinations, diagnose eye diseases, or write prescriptions for lenses or medication.